NDA 2026 Salary — Officer Pay Scale, Military Allowances & Career
NDA 2026 Overview
The NDA 2026 Salary applies after commissioning as a Lieutenant (upon completing 4 years of training). During NDA training, cadets receive a stipend. Post-commissioning, officers are placed at Pay Level 10 with comprehensive military benefits.
During Training (NDA + Service Academy)
NDA cadets receive a stipend of ₹56,100 per month during the 3-year NDA course and 1-year service academy training. They also receive free food, accommodation, uniform, medical care, and world-class training facilities.
Post-Commissioning Salary
Upon commissioning as Lieutenant, the starting basic pay is ₹56,100 (Level 10). With Military Service Pay (₹15,500), DA, transport allowance, and other allowances, the gross salary is approximately ₹80,000-₹90,000. After 2 years, promotion to Captain (₹61,300 basic) with gross exceeding ₹1,00,000.
Career Progression
Lieutenant (Level 10) → Captain (Level 10B, 2 yrs) → Major (Level 11, 6 yrs) → Lt Colonel (Level 12A, 13 yrs) → Colonel (Level 13, selection basis) → Brigadier (Level 13A) → Major General (Level 14) → Lt General (Level 15-16) → General/COAS (Level 18). Army, Navy, and Air Force have equivalent ranks with same pay scales.
Unique Military Benefits
Free government accommodation (large bungalow/quarter), subsidized mess/canteen facilities, domestic orderlies, free medical for family at military hospitals, Leave Travel Concession, children's education allowance, CSD canteen for subsidized goods, ex-serviceman status after retirement with pension, and ECHS medical coverage for life.
NDA 2026 Salary Structure
Pay Levels
Pay Level 10 to Level 15+
Gross Salary Range
₹80,000 – ₹2,50,000
In-Hand Salary Range
₹65,000 – ₹2,00,000
Post-wise Basic Pay
| Post Name | Pay Level | Basic Pay (₹/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant (upon commissioning) | Level 10 | ₹56,100 |
| Captain (2 years) | Level 10B | ₹61,300 |
| Major (6 years) | Level 11 | ₹69,400 |
| Lt Colonel (13 years) | Level 12A | ₹1,21,200 |
| Colonel (selection) | Level 13 | ₹1,30,600 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | ₹1,39,600 |
Allowances & Benefits
- Military Service Pay (₹15,500)
- DA
- Transport Allowance
- Kit Maintenance Allowance
- Flying Allowance (Air Force)
- Submarine Allowance (Navy)
- High Altitude Allowance
- Field Area Allowance
- Free Housing
- Free Medical
- Canteen/CSD
- Pension after 20 years
Calculate Your In-Hand Salary
Use the 7th CPC Government Salary Calculator to estimate your in-hand salary for NDA 2026 posts — including DA, HRA, and all deductions based on your pay level and city.
- ✓ Select pay level (1–18) and basic pay
- ✓ City-wise HRA (X, Y, Z category)
- ✓ DA, TA, NPS deductions included
